Zimbabwe close to historic victory

Zimbabwe are five wickets away from their most significant victory in more than a decade against Pakistan in the second Test at Harare.

A thrilling final day appears to be in store after Pakistan reached stumps at 158 for five - 106 runs short of victory.

Zimbabwe were therefore halfway towards completing an unlikely win, which would level the two-match series, after setting Pakistan a victory target of 264 on a wearing wicket.

Zimbabwe have not beaten an established full-member nation in Test cricket since 2001 when they overcame India by four wickets at this same venue.

The Africans have beaten only Bangladesh in Test ranks in the 12 years since.

After being bowled out for 199 in their second innings shortly after lunch on day four, Tendai Chatara made the initial breakthroughs before tea.

Out-of-sorts opener Mohammad Hafeez offered a leading edge to Brian Vitori at mid-on before Azhar Ali's off stump was sent cartwheeling for a duck.

Khurrum Manzoor had moved briskly to 54, striking 11 boundaries in his 66-ball stay, before he was caught at short-leg off Prosper Utseya.

It was a key moment as Younis Khan - the double centurion from the first Test - then followed when he got too far across the line to Vitori and had his leg stump pegged back.

Utseya added his second when Asad Shafiq was caught behind to leave skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (26 not out) as the last recognised batsman alongside wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal (17no).

Zimbabwe lost their six remaining wickets at the start of play for 79 runs to be bowled out for 199 shortly after lunch.

Opener Tino Mawoyo's 58 had laid the foundation for more on Thursday as Zimbabwe advanced to 117 for one.

But after three late wickets on Thursday night, the hosts failed to cash in on their start as Rahat Ali (five for 52) claimed three of the wickets to fall on Friday, including skipper Brendan Taylor (27) after he had batted through the morning session.